North Pinellas business digest for Oct. 20

Clearwater attorney Linda Suzzanne Griffin was honored for earning the status of Florida Legal Elite in Florida Trend magazine's 2013 Legal Elite special report, which recognizes the top attorneys in the state as chosen by their peers.

Five Star-rated Jefferson Bank of Florida announced its 2013 third-quarter earnings and reports significant growth as well as a 10 percent stock dividend.

According to figures provided by the bank, its commercial checking account average balances increased 72 percent or $12,841,000, and total loans grew 29 percent or $24,930,000. The bank's asset quality ratio, measured by dividing non-performing assets by total assets and expressed as "NPA," is 0.27 percent, less than one-twelfth of the Florida bank average of 3.41 percent.

In the 12 months since Sept. 30, 2012, assets increased 14 percent, total deposits 23 percent and operating earnings were $204,000, up from $34,000.

On Sept. 25, the bank's board of directors declared a 10 percent stock dividend payable on Oct. 15 to shareholders of record as of Sept. 30. After the dividend, the number of outstanding shares is 2,199,988. Fractional shares were paid at $9.30 per share.

"We are gratified by our customer's trust in Jefferson Bank," said Bob McGivney, the bank's chairman and CEO. "Our shareholders, board and team of Jefferson bankers continue to work diligently to meet the banking needs of the entrepreneurs, professionals and residents in our markets of North Pinellas, West Hillsborough and West Pasco."

Area business professionals are invited to experience speed networking and increase the opportunity for more business connections at the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Business Council's October Connection event, "Building Business Relationships & Connecting Cultures," 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Sage Supper Club, 22 N Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater.